I scroll through Facebook Marketplace every so often, looking for treasures for my yard and home. I always check the Free section (after all, free is my favorite four-letter word). Came across this compelling ad last week.
Looks like the pups had a good time un-upholstering that couch! I’m sure Marian was none too pleased with this disaster but at least she had a sense of humor about it. Certainly made me laugh.
Well, it’s officially that time of year. No, not THAT time of year. I’m referring to migration time when millions of small fish move along our Gulf Coast. These massive schools of fingerlings attract a lot of attention from larger fish and pescatarian birds.
The larger fish in the area drew in our resident pod of dolphins. During my sunset walk this week I had the good fortune to watch them participate in a team roundup. I counted at least 8 dolphins working the fish into an ever smaller circle:
I also caught some of the pelican action from my favorite perch at John’s Pass:
Don’t worry, I assure you, there are plenty of fish to go around!
I can’t help it, every time I walk by this patio light it reminds me of a Stormtroopeer helmet. Does it frighten me, this member of the Galactic (aka Evil) Empire? Nah, I know they can’t hit anything! Pew pew!
Ever have one of those days when you just don’t feel all that motivated? Same for this squirrel.
I spotted this Alligator hatchling at Sawgrass Lake Park last week. Since they usually hang out in a pod (a safety in numbers thing) I was surprised to find this one on its own. Though I didn’t see her, I knew mom had to be nearby, quite possibly under my feet (I was on a boardwalk).
Hope your middle of the week is as peaceful as this gator!
A friend and I recently took a couple hours one evening to explore the new expansion of Robinson Preserve in Bradenton. Manatee County has certainly invested some time and effort into this restoration project!
In addition to the construction of ramadas, well-defined walking paths and scenic bridges, they’ve done a tremendous job reintroducing native plants to the landscape. Though young and small now, they will definitely benefit wildlife in the years to come.
What I found most impressive was the kayak setup. Not only are there several launch spots with rinse stations but the park also offers kayak storage (for a monthly fee).
What a great idea – no more loading your kayak on your vehicle and lugging it around. Instead, just pull it out of the safe, weather-protected space and plop it on the water. It’s definitely a popular feature, of the 50 slots I only counted 5 that were not in use.
An artistic composition, created by a plant and designed by bugs. Nature is beautiful!
While I was crossing the bridge at Sawgrass Lake Park an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) surfaced with a sizable catch. Skilled swimmers, Snakebirds stab their prey with their sharp, pointed bill.
This one had impaled a tasty morsel (perhaps overzealously) but had a dickens of a time trying to dislodge it. After a few minutes of head shaking and flipping, the fish finally flew free and was quickly swallowed by the bird.
Frustrating few minutes for the Anhinga but it was successful in the end!
I spent an hour wandering around Sawgrass Lake Park earlier this week. As before, my visit did not disappoint. While I was fascinated by it, this Tricolored Heron studiously ignored me. It obviously had bigger fish to fry (as it were).
The technique: stand perfectly still, snap up the tiny tidbit, shake off excess water and vegetation, rotate the fish with a quick flip, then swallow it whole. All of this takes place within a span of mere seconds, though the bird caught several fish while I was watching I felt fortunate to catch just a few photos of it in action!
A few bonus shots just because it was such a handsome bird!
Down here in Florida they say you can tell it’s Fall when the license plates start to change color. And while there has been an influx of out of state plates lately, this one stuck out.
Rather surprising that the Count would want to visit the Sunshine State!
*P.S. Yes, I know, Transylvania is a college in Kentucky.
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